Russell Martin Discusses Team News, “Embarrassing” Points Total, and Tactical Approach

Southampton manager Russell Martin addressed the media in advance of Sunday’s Premier League fixture against Tottenham, scheduled for 19:00 GMT at St Mary’s Stadium. The following are the main points from his press conference: Regarding player availability, centre-back Jan Bednarek and striker Paul Onuachu are both cleared to play in Sunday’s match. Goalkeeper Alex McCarthy has also recovered sufficiently to return, and Aaron Ramsdale might be available for the Carabao Cup game against Liverpool next Wednesday. Martin expressed his hope that Onuachu will contribute to the Saints “moving forwards,” noting that the player “gives a real alternative option that’s different to anyone in the squad and most people in the league.” Commenting on Southampton’s current league standing, Martin stated: “It is incredibly hurtful and embarrassing to be on five points.” He further asserted that the Saints ought to have accumulated more points. Addressing his approach to improving the Saints’ performance, he remarked: “We are not far away and we have to just keep working, keep concentrating on the process and ourselves and just keep trying to be better.” When asked why Southampton has not met his expectations, Martin explained: “There have been a few too many mistakes and a few too many moments that we haven’t managed well,” but added that his team “are growing and getting better.” Regarding the restoration of player confidence, Martin commented: “The biggest job is to eliminate the external noise – it is so difficult. Maybe at times we are the only voices telling them that they are good enough. It is about being able to switch that off and zoom in and focus on what is really important.” Martin expressed significant respect for Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou’s bold, aggressive tactical approach and his unwillingness to compromise, stating: “I get criticised for the same thing, about being stubborn and all that stuff, but if you believe in something and it’s taken you a certain way in life then to deviate too far from that is crazy.” Elaborating on his shared playing philosophy with Postecoglou, he added: “People only criticise the ones who are a little bit different from the norm. So if we all believe the same thing that would be pretty boring, but we would be less open to criticism.”